Nathaniel

You and your son have the saddest eyes.

Young cowboy Happy Nathaniel is struck by a need to reach out when he first meets Aaron King and his son, Samuel, so he helps Aaron find a haven at the Rocking M, far away from their strict Mennonite community. Once Sam is settled in the country school, both men seek something to spur him to speak again. But most of all, Nate also sees Aaron’s loneliness, and a single kiss is the spark Nate has secretly craved. But he’ll put his attraction on hold as long as needed, knowing there is a time for all things and that, one day, Aaron will want to dance again.

Nathaniel is a sweet story of finding love when and where you least expect it. Ms. Irving penned a great story that you will want to read again and again--Nikki, TRS reviews.

Nathaniel and Aaron’s story is both sweet and sexy. It’s the perfect antidote for a cold winter’s night or if you need a perfect pick-me-up--Daisiemae, Night Owl Reviews.

Sad eyes and a warm heart can be a lethal combination. Now add a dusty ranch and a couple of hot guys. You’ve got both endless possibilities and Jan Irving’s Nathaniel.

I’ve loved Ms. Irving’s other books and this one is a great addition to my keeper shelf. If you want a book that’s guaranteed to stick with you long after the last page, then you need to read Nathaniel--Tiger Lily at Whipped Cream Reviews.

Excerpt and purchase link for Nathaniel here.

Excerpt of Nathaniel

Aaron King pulled the quilt higher around his son as Samuel settled into the single bunk that had come with the cabin. He stroked a hand down Samuel’s swelling cheek before getting to his feet, stepping from the room, turning out the light, and leaving only Mickey Mouse to beam from near the floor, the night light that Aaron had bought for his son.

“Good night, Samuel,” he whispered. He knew his son wouldn’t answer. He bowed his head, feeling something seethe like dragon’s breath under his breast bone. He was supposed to have faith that Samuel would recover. Faith!

Alone in the great room, Aaron felt familiar restlessness rise. He was used to evenings spent with the company of his father, his brothers. Now there was only this empty cabin, where many people had lived. A yellowed plastic clock ticked from the stone mantle, counting the hours until Aaron would serve food to the cowboys again, until he’d see Nathaniel and maybe exchange a handful of words. So far, the young cowboy was the only one to talk to Aaron.

Needing to breathe fresh air and stand under the stars, Aaron left the cottage, leaving the door open behind him. It was crisp outside, the water that had melted during the heat of the day freezing into icicles that clung to the edge of the roof like silvered teeth. Aaron reached up and broke one off, holding it in his palm.

“When I was a kid, I used to like to break those off and chew on them,” said a familiar voice.

Nathaniel. He stood in the dark of the bending trees, holding a tin cup in one hand.

Aaron’s heart picked up. “Me too,” he said.

Nathaniel stepped into the light from the porch, slim hips swaying, boots clomping. He took his hat off and placed it on the bench, his dark hair mussed around his face, stubble on his jaw. His smoky quartz eyes latched onto Aaron’s.

“Some nights seem longer than others.”

Aaron grunted an agreement. He nodded to Nathaniel’s cup. “Coffee so late will make it hard for you to sleep.”

Nathaniel shrugged. “I had a date. I’m just winding down.” He sat on the bench and let the air out of his lungs in a long sigh, as if it was the first time he’d sat down all day. Aaron could believe that since Nathaniel Jefferson seemed always to be in motion, smiling, joking, even dancing, swinging those hips from side to side. He was like an unbroken colt, free-spirited. He attracted the eye so that sometimes Aaron would catch himself watching him, fascinated.

“Is she someone who lives nearby?” Aaron asked. This was something he could navigate in the strange outside world he’d been forced to embrace, talk of courting. He would never marry again, never, but Nathaniel was so remarkable that it made Aaron wonder what kind of woman would appeal to him. Would she be quiet and content to let him sparkle the way he did, or was she like him?

“He’s a guy I met at a rodeo a while back named Sean. He’s a really good rider,” Nathaniel said.

Aaron’s breath caught in his chest. He didn’t look at Nathaniel, heat rising in his face.

Nathaniel finally made a soft sound, as if disgusted with himself. “Night, Aaron,” he said, retrieving his hat and getting up to leave.

Heart thudding, Aaron listened to Nathaniel’s boots crunch on the gravel. He parted his lips, trying to think of something to say.

Nate, he ached to call him that. The name sounded simple, clean, like the man.

Instead he walked out from the cabin onto the middle of the darkened path as Nate returned to the bunkhouse, never once looking back to where Aaron watched him.

Copywrite: Jan Irving

Nathaniel is set in the same town as Sylvan and Luke.

My Books

My Novellas

Outside Links

Home